“I’d rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck.”
– Emma Goldman

The birth flower for June is the rose. Some sources believe that birthday celebrations originated during the Roman Empire, and the origins of birth month flowers can be traced back to these times. During these birthday celebrations, family and friends offered gifts including gemstone jewelry, such as pearls, and flowers, such as roses.

The rose is a complex flower with many meanings. Read on to find out about the history, symbolism, and little-known facts about one of the world’s most beloved flower.

The History of the Rose
The legend of the rose dates back to Greek mythology; it is believed that Aphrodite gave the rose its name. Ancient Greeks used roses to accessorize – on festive occasions they would adorn themselves with garlands of roses and splash themselves with rose-scented oils.

But the appreciation for the rose transcends all early civilizations. It is believed that Cleopatra’s palace was carpeted with delicate rose petals, and wise Confucius had a 600-book library on cultivating roses.

Colors and Meanings
Roses have a variety of meanings associated with their colors. Red roses symbolize passion and love while white roses convey meanings of purity and innocence.

Giving roses as gifts has been sending messages of love, affection, and friendship for centuries. Roses can be given to congratulate the birth of a new baby, celebrate an anniversary, as a statement or declaration of love. Knowing the meanings associated with the rose adds to the significance of the flower and makes your gift that much more thoughtful.

Here are some other popular colors of roses and the meanings associated with each:

White – Purity, Innocence

Red – Passion, Love

Pink – Happiness

Yellow – Joy, Friendship

Orange – Enthusiasm, Desire, Creativity

Purple – Inspirations, Enchantment

Coral – Desire, Enthusiasm

Fun Facts about Roses

• The rose is the official National Floral Emblem of the United States and the state flower of New York.
• According to Greek Mythology, the goddess Aphrodite gave the rose its name.
• French explorer Samuel de Champlain brought the first cultivated roses to North America.
• There are more than 100 species of wild roses.

Why not send a bouquet of roses to someone special in your life? Let Carithers Flowers help you create the perfect arrangement! Carithers Flowers offers an abundant selection of rose bouquets to fit your every need. The flower company’s famous “Grand Reserve” Roses are grown exclusively for Carithers and each rose is guaranteed to be 30% larger and deliver a dramatic show with the longest vase life in the industry.

Feeling lucky? Submit your entry for Carithers Flowers “Win a Dozen Roses” contest. Each month a lucky winner is given the opportunity to receive or send a free set of one dozen roses. Submit your entry at www.carithers.com.

Voted Best Atlanta Florist, Carithers Flowers offers same-day flower delivery in Atlanta and across the United States. Make someone smile today! Call Carithers Flowers at (800) 647-8182 to place your order.  Follow Carithers Flowers on Twitter and receive 10 % off your order using the special Twitter promo code.

www.Carithers.com/Roswell-Florist serving North Fulton, Alpharetta, Duluth, Roswell

www.Carithers.com/Lawrenceville-Florist serving Gwinnett County, Snellville, Stone Mountain, Tucker

www.Carithers.com/Kennesaw-Florist serving Cobb, Cherokee, Woodstock, Canton

www.Carithers.com/Dunwoody-Florist serving Dunwoody, Sandy Springs

www.Carithers.com/Decatur-Florist  serving Decatur, Emory, Atlanta